Stuck in Sinking Sand, Part 2

What do you do when you can’t stop sitting through uncomfortable chaotic knots? When you feel stuck and confused, have you been able to pull yourself out of that pit a little with the ideas from Part 1? Don’t worry if you still feel stuck. The feeling of being stuck won’t completely go away but it can be thwarted just a little. Let’s look at some other habits that may keep us stuck in the sunken place of chaotic knots.

Lupus habits that cause flares

Focusing on lupus pain instead of purpose

Oftentimes, with good reason, a warrior will focus on the pain, and purpose is pushed to the side. Work at consciously changing your focus from your pain to your purpose. Start by writing down what your purpose is in spite of lupus. It will be difficult, but at the end of the day, it will be worth it. Remember what you focus on will ultimately increase.

Procrastinating calling the doctor when sick

Putting on your superhuman cape and trying to tough it out will always keep you sinking in sand. It’s important for you to pay close attention to your body’s cues and take appropriate action to help yourself before any issue gets worse. It is crucial to contact the doctor for anything you feel is out of whack in your body. Don’t feel embarrassed, guilty, or weak. This is advocating for yourself and knowing your body.

Worrying about what other people think about lupus or treatment

Sometimes we are so deep in the sinking sand that we worry about what others think about our lupus journey. Pay them no attention! They are not walking in your shoes or living your life. Your lupus journey can not be judged or criticized by anyone but you. Sometimes, you even have to stop listening to your own judgment in order to pull yourself out of the sand traps.

Constant negative self-talk

How many times have you said to yourself, “I am not who I used to be.” “I can’t fight anymore.” “I am so sorry I am sick, I wish I was better.” “I can’t believe I am going through this.” “I hate my life.” This is constant talk that pushes you deeper into the sinking sand. Your self-talk can have an effect on the way you fight lupus. Let that negative self-talk go. Speak life over yourself and watch how your body reacts.

Feeling stuck never really goes away

That stuck feeling never really goes away. Even when we change habits, that feeling can suddenly take over your life and keep you in a fit of depression and sadness. This is why it’s so imperative that we continue to keep the correct things in our arsenal to at least be able to pull ourselves out of the sand to live.

In part 3 of "Stuck in Sinking Sand," let's talk about how we can get out of the sand traps through our mental and physical activities.